500 sq.ft detached ADU, completed project showing the interior view of the kitchen area

Detached Backyard ADU

One Bedroom Detached ADU in Chula Vista

This “casita” was built as a housing solution for a young couple just starting their life together. The homeowner had recently gotten engaged and was living with his mom and brother. After he and his fiancée weighed their options, they realized they could build an ADU in the backyard and move into it, giving them a place of their own without throwing money away on rent. Not only would this setup allow them to build equity, but it could eventually serve as a rental unit and generate income down the line. They chose a one-bedroom, one-bathroom layout to keep things simple and low maintenance which is perfect for two people starting fresh.

We began working on their ADU project in May of 2023. After five months of refining the design and securing permits, we broke ground.

Seven months later, the result is this beautiful, cozy unit, just as the homeowners had imagined it.

Scroll down to see the full project gallery, from the first idea to the final walkthrough.

Chula Vista ADU Floor Plan

Floor Plan of a 500 sq.ft one bedroom one bathroom detached ADU in Chula Vista
Visual summary of a Chula Vista ADU project showing key details: detached ADU type, 500 square feet unit size, 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom configuration, 2,000 total cost, and 7-month build time.

Full Project Gallery

Commencement of site prep for 500 square feet detached accessory dwelling unit
Trench excavation for 500 square feet detached accessory dwelling unit
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet foundation
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet foundation
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet foundation
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet foundation
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet rough framing stage
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet rough framing stage interior view
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet rough framing stage with roofing installed
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet rough framing stage interior view
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet rough framing stage interior view
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet batt insulation
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet flooring and painting
Progress photo from an ADU project in Chula Vista during tiling and finishing installation in the bathroom
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet kitchen cabinets installed
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit 500 square feet kitchen cabinets installed
completed kitchen area from an finished ADU project in Chula Vista, showing white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and LVT flooring
completed kitchen area from an finished ADU project in Chula Vista, showing white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and LVT flooring
Chula Vista ADU completed bathroom photo showing new toilet, vanity, LED Mirror and LVT flooring
Interior view from a completed walk-in shower from an ADU project in Chula Vista, showing custom glass door and new bathroom fixtures
Interior view from a completed walk-in shower from an ADU project in Chula Vista, showing large porcelain wall tile and matte black shower fixtures
Completed Accessory Dwelling Unit in Chula Vista, Interior view
Completed 500 square foot ADU in Chula Vista, interior view from living room
Kitchen countertop with sink installed in peninsula, part of a new construction detached ADU (500 sq.ft)
completed kitchen area from an finished ADU project in Chula Vista, showing white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and LVT flooring
completed kitchen area from an finished ADU project in Chula Vista, showing white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and LVT flooring
Completed Accessory Dwelling Unit in Chula Vista, Interior view
completed bedroom in a one bedroom one bathroom ADU in Chula Vista, ready to rent out
completed bedroom in a one bedroom one bathroom ADU in Chula Vista, ready to rent out
Exterior view of an entrance porch to a detached ADU in Chula Vista, showing modern metal railings and Trex composite decking
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Thinking about building an ADU in Chula Vista, But Not Sure Where to Start?

Due to the severe housing crisis in california, the state heavily incentivizes homeowners to build affordable housing solutions. That’s one reason we’ve seen such a sharp rise in demand for ADUs across the state. If the idea of building an ADU in Chula Vista has been on your mind, it might be more doable than you think. We’ve helped homeowners across San Diego design and build backyard units that actually work for how they live, what they need, and what they can realistically afford.

If you’re curious about what might be possible on your lot, let’s talk.

Book a free consultation and we’ll walk your lot, talk through the options, and give you a realistic idea of cost and timeline.